Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) a cause of severe and fulminant acute hepatitis

This report will briefly outline what has been learned since the hepatitis delta virus (HDV) was discovered. The molecular biology of HDV as well as the puzzling epidemiology are analyzed. A special attention is given to the clinical features of HDV liver disease, especially as a cause of fulminant hepatitis. The role of HDV in other severe liver diseases will be discussed.